|
Day 1 Omagh
Our tour departs from Dublin where we begin our journey to the amazing prehistoric site at Newgrange (entry to tomb itself conditional on availability). Here we step back into the mists of time, to almost the very beginning of history, the New Stone Age passage grave is regarded as among the most impressive prehistoric monuments in Europe. Next, we stop at the site of the Battle of the Boyne, one of the defining events in the history of Ireland, where the Protestant William of Orange defeated James II’s troops. Ultimately, this battle lead to the continuation of Protestant supremacy in Ireland. Even now, celebrations of this battle are an important and controversial event in the North of Ireland. From here we travel a short distance to the Hill of Tara, historically the foremost spiritual and political centre of Ireland. (D)
Day 2 Belfast & the Antrim Coast
We enjoy a fascinating morning tour of Belfast, a Victorian city currently experiencing a cultural and economic resurgence. Highlights of central Belfast include the Titanic Quarter, as well as a drive through both sides of this divided city with a trip up the Falls Road and down the Shankill Road. We learn more about the history of the area as we pass the famed political wall murals, which are fast disappearing as the communities learn to live side by side. This afternoon we visit the intriguing Giant’s Causeway, a World Heritage Site and jewel in the crown of the fabulous coast of Antrim. The sheer strangeness of the place and the bizarre regularity of the 37,000 basalt columns have made it the subject of many legends. Finally, we head to our friendly Irish accommodation along the beautiful Northern Ireland coastline. (B)
Day 3 Derry & Inishowen Peninsula
This morning we enjoy a historical guided walk along the ancient city walls of Derry and hear how the shutting of the city gates, prohibiting entry to an English king, led to over 300 years of hostility. Our coastal drive will take us to the Inishowen Peninsula in Donegal, a lesser known, but one of the most enchanting and beautiful parts of Ireland. The day continues with a visit to an Iron Age fort, Grianan Aileach, offering stunning views of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly. From there, we travel to the home of the last Gaelic chieftain at Buncrana, then through the breathtaking mountain pass of the Mamore Gap. At the Isle of Doagh Visitor Centre we will hear an alternative view of the devastating Irish Famine and look at the social customs of the area. We end our touring day with a scenic drive through the northernmost parts of Ireland towards tonight’s accommodation. (B)
Day 4 Fermanagh & Sligo
Our day commences at the Ulster-American Folk Park. Arguably one of the best of its kind, it examines why two million people left Ulster for the New World in the 18th and 19th centuries. The park has more than thirty historic buildings, including a variety of thatched Irish cottages a Pennsylvanian farmstead, a reconstructed shopping street and a full size replica emigrant ship. In addition, costumed guides and demonstrators re-enact this bygone era, bringing it back to life. We then traverse through County Fermanagh, along the shores of Lough Erne, to the Sligo area and into W.B.Yeats country. For those already familiar with the great 20th century poet, a visit to sites associated with him will be a real highlight and for those as yet unfamiliar with his work and times, it will be a fascinating introduction. These sites include Drumcliffe Church, located at the foot of magnificent Ben Bulben and the location of Yeat’s grave, as well as Parkes Castle, a well preserved 17th century fortified Plantation manor house on the shore of lovely Lough Gill. (B,D)
Day 5 Westport, Connemara & Galway
It is a relaxing drive to the picturesque 18th century town of Westport, in County Mayo, where we will enjoy a rest before heading westward towards Connemara. The west of Ireland is one of the principal motivations for visiting the country and the Connemara region is considered by many to be ‘the best of the west’. Connemara is much visited, but there are many scenic back roads we travel down, such as the spectacular Sky Road overlooking Clifden Bay. There are also other less frequented attractions in the area. Roundstone, a picturesque fishing village where Ireland’s championship bodhran (traditional Irish drum) maker has a workshop, is just one example. If we have time, we will visit the modest traditional cottage of Patrick Pearce, father of independent Ireland and leader of the 1916 uprising. We complete today’s tour in the wonderful city of Galway. (B)
Day 6 Galway or Optional Aran Islands
After a hearty breakfast its time to enjoy the freedom of Galway City on a day of ‘organised independence’. Your guide will offer advice on how to make the most of this small jewel in Ireland’s crown. Galway is a ‘walking city’ so you may enjoy wandering its shopping alleyways, cathedral, waterfront areas and local pubs at your own pace. Those who like an adventure, you may choose to take an excursion to the Aran Islands, considered the foothold of Irish culture and area of outstanding beauty. After dinner, experience the craic and traditional Irish music at one of Galway’s many pubs. (B,D)
Day 7 The Burren, Cliffs of Moher & Killarney
We have a wonderful day planned ahead, with a typical Back-Roads Touring mix of must-see icons and sights, as well as a range of additional attractions that are not always visited by the tourist masses. Following the coastal road we visit some traditional Galway Bay harbours such as the charming Kinvara and then tour through the lunar-like landscape of the Burren including a stop at the prehistoric burial site of the Poulnabrone Portal Tomb. As well as taking you behind the tourist facade our day will include a visit to the world-famed Cliffs of Moher as we travel to the vibrant little town of Killarney. (B)
Day 8 Dingle Peninsula & Killarney
This part of Ireland is a magnet for visitors attracted by the incredible scenery of the area. We spend most of our time on the less crowded Dingle Peninsula. We uncover ancient churches, forts, local arts and craft centre’s and beautiful beaches. Highlights will include a visit to the Blasket Islands Centre, which offers a wealth of information on island life, language and literature and the Louis Mulcahy pottery studio. Closer to Killarney, the views of the MacGillycuddy’s Reeks from the Aghadoe Heights and the famous ‘Ladies View’ of the Killarney Lakes are sure to impress. (B)
Day 9 Kenmare, Bantry Bay & Blarney
Just when you thought that the scenery you’ve seen couldn’t be bettered, we make a good attempt at doing so. We take the mountain road from Killarney to the enchanting town of Kenmare where you will have time to explore at your leisure; perhaps visit the lace museum, which exhibits exquisite examples of traditional Irish lace made locally, or investigate the ancient Druidic stone circle. Leaving Kenmare we journey over the breathtaking Healey Pass, a spectacular drive to Bantry Bay where you there an optional visit Bantry House, renowned for its magnificent setting among formal gardens overlooking the bay. Finally, no Irish tour would be complete without at least a cursory visit to Blarney Castle. Yes of course every coach tour goes there, but we join the herd for once! We arrive after the others have left, so we enjoy the castle in a relaxed environment. (B,D)
Day 10 Cork, Kinsale & Cobh
The harbour of Kinsale, considered by some to be the prettiest in Ireland, is our first stop of the day. The town is renowned as the gourmet capital of Ireland but it also has a fascinating history with two forts as well as a tower house standing as testament to its former strategic importance. In the afternoon we travel through the city of Cork to nearby Cobh, a naval base during the Napoleonic wars and a major emigration port. Many of the Irish who emigrated to North America between 1848 and 1950 left from this port and many more men, women and children were deported from here to the penal colonies in Australia. On April 11, 1912 (Queenstown as it was then known) the RMS Titanic left Queenstown port for the last time to cross the Atlantic on her ill-fated maiden voyage. (B)
Day 11 Rock of Cashel, Tipperary & Kilkenny
We start today’s tour at one of Ireland’s popular icons, The Rock of Cashel, located on a high rocky outcrop overlooking the plains of Tipperary. You may explore the site which incorporates the ruins of a medieval cathedral, a beautiful Romanesque church and a striking round tower. Next, we travel through rural Tipperary to Kilkenny, Ireland’s ‘most perfect medieval city’ and our resting place for this evening. There is plenty of time to relax and explore the many sites here, including the castle, restored to it’s 19th century grandeur, the 13th century St. Canice’s Cathedral ,where it is possible to climb its ancient round tower, Rothe House, a 16th century merchant’s home and Black Abbey, a fully restored 13th Dominican establishment. The Kilkenny Design Centre, offering the best of Irish crafts and the adjacent National Craft Gallery is also well worth a visit. (B,D)
Day 12 Wicklow, Glendalough & Dublin
Before returning to Dublin, we will cross the Wicklow Mountains to Glendalough, one of the best preserved and most beautiful monastic sites in Ireland where we partake in an informative guided tour. The monastery was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century and much survives despite many raids by both Vikings and the English before its final dissolution during the reformation. Leaving Glendalough, we drive via the Military Road, traversing some of the wilder terrain of the Wicklows, to the Sally Gap. From there we descend to the Powerscourt Estate with its beautiful formal gardens in a superb setting within view of Sugar Loaf Mountain. From here it is only a short journey to Dublin, where we shall complete our gratifying Irish tour. The tour ends back in Dublin late afternoon at our tour hotel. (B)
|
|
